Not the impossible faith
why Christianity didn't need a miracle to succeed
Richard Carrier
453 pages | ~13 hrs
Not the impossible faith
why Christianity didn't need a miracle to succeed
By Richard Carrier
Dr. Richard Carrier brings his expertise in ancient history to bear on one of Christianity's most persistent claims: that the faith's rapid spread proves its divine origins. This comprehensive examination challenges the notion that early Christianity's success was so unlikely that supernatural intervention must explain it.
Drawing from historical evidence and sociological analysis of the ancient world, Carrier addresses fundamental questions about how religious movements actually develop and spread. He explores the cultural context that shaped early Christian beliefs, examining attitudes toward evidence, social prejudices, and religious concepts that modern readers often misunderstand.
The book investigates specific aspects of ancient society that apologists frequently misrepresent, including social attitudes toward women's testimony, contemporary views of resurrection, and the complex relationship between religious devotion and social status. Rather than simply critiquing opposing viewpoints, Carrier provides readers with a deeper understanding of how ancient Mediterranean cultures actually functioned.
Written in an accessible style that makes complex historical material engaging, this work offers both scholarly rigor and readability. The author combines thorough documentation with moments of wit, creating an educational experience that remains entertaining throughout its extensive exploration.
For readers seeking to understand how religious movements emerge and develop within their historical contexts, this book provides valuable insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and historical evidence in the ancient world.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Resurrection of Jesus Christ
- ✓ Explore Naturalism
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Atheism
- ✓ Explore Miracles of Jesus Christ
- ✓ Explore Miracles
- ✓ Explore Resurrection
- ✓ Explore History, ancient
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2009
- Publisher
- Lulu.com
- ISBN-13
- 9780557044641
- ISBN-10
- 0557044642
- Pages
- 453
- Language
- EN
